23Feb
A Weight Loss Diet Review: The MetaBooster Fat Burning Diet

Description – MetaBooster Fat Burning Diet is one of the easy ways to lose weight. It is a low carbohydrate, high protein diet, which is based on eating low GI carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats.

The MetaBooster Fat Burning Diet claims that you can eat all the protein you want and still lose weight. All you need to do is choose your carbs carefully and use healthy fats to lose weight.

It is claimed to be the fastest way to lose weight and you will be able to consume large amounts of protein while eating small amounts of carbohydrates. It has been compared to the Atkins diet, but with the difference that you are allowed to eat adequate carbohydrates such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, and fruit. (On the Atkins Diet, the only carbohydrates you can eat are salads and certain vegetables.)

It is divided into 2 phases, the first phase eliminates all carbohydrates except those present in vegetables, so you eat a lot of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, cheese and eggs. The explanation behind phase 1 is that it is supposed to make your body overcome its addiction to “bad” carbs that spike your blood sugar so fast that you release extra insulin, the hormone that keeps you fat. After week 1 on Carb Wipe Out, you can start eating new carbs and healthy fats; You won’t have sugar cravings as Carb Wipe Out will have kicked your addiction to ‘bad’ carbs, and your insulin resistance will have dropped and you’ll be back to near normal emissions.

Although Phase 1 seems quite restrictive, many people say that since it is only for 7 days, they can follow it quite easily and the rapid weight loss encourages them to complete the course.

You then move on to Phase 2, where you slowly start introducing carbs back into your diet, adding low GI “good” carbs, and staying away from “bad carb” foods that will spike your blood sugar. blood and will cause your body to release more amounts of insulin which in turn causes fat to be retained in the body. However, this phase is much easier to comply with. You’ll be eating plenty of “good” carbs and healthy fats, as well as plenty of lean protein that you can handle. There is no restriction on the amount of protein you consume and you can enjoy dishes like chili con carne, grilled chicken or peri peri, pepper steaks, seasoned and encrusted salmon fillets. You are supposed to lose up to 4 pounds per week on this phase of the diet.

Unlike other diets, this one generally doesn’t focus on calories or portion sizes, but instead focuses on stabilizing blood sugar levels so you don’t crave sugary foods and snacks and don’t release too much sugar. insulin.

The most difficult part of this diet is your degree of self-control and willpower, but even so, the MetaBooster Fat Burning Diet provides a supplement that you can use to help you with the diet if your willpower is weak.

So what are the drawbacks? Based on the feedback, it seems that the biggest hurdle is getting through the first phase, but once the dieter has passed day 3, everything seems to be going smoothly.

Overall, this diet is a healthy way of eating that can be used for weight loss, disease prevention (particularly diabetes) due to its balance of lean protein, ‘good’ carbohydrates, and healthy fats that don’t spike blood sugar levels. blood and are a burden. in the pancreas that secretes insulin. It is a diet that can be used for life.
23Feb
How to Choose the Best Welsh Corgi Puppy for a Litter

The Welsh corgi is an agile, robust, extremely loyal and obedient small sheepdog. A popular breed with dog show owners and best known for its trainability, it makes an excellent pet for children. He lives healthily from his puppy years to his mid-teens. There are two breeds of Welsh corgi, the Pembroke and the Cardigan. Primarily, the Cardigan corgi has a longer fox-like tail, while the Pembroke corgi has a stubby tail. Perhaps the most famous of the Pembroke corgis belongs to Queen Elizabeth II – she has four cute ones, and the royals have been quite fond of the breed since the early 20th century.

If, like the Queen of England, you choose to keep these adorable creatures as pets, it’s important to choose the best Welsh Corgi from the litter. Doing this can be a very fun experience; you’ll be greeted by a bunch of happily wagging tails, barks, and jumps. It is very easy to be tempted to choose the loudest or the most dizzying. Having the right one for you is very important; it’s a long-term relationship that you and your pup will build. The right time to choose your puppy is between eight and 12 weeks. This would have allowed ample time for the pups to grow up healthy in their mothers’ care and learn to socialize with their siblings.

To help you make the right decision, here are some guidelines on how to choose the best Welsh corgi puppy for a litter:

• Your first order of business will be to choose a reputable breeder. There are agencies that can help you find one to get your puppy from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America or a local breed club in your area.

• Investigation. If you know a vet or have friends who have Welsh corgis, talk to them for information about the breed. You will be able to know their peculiarities and common diseases. Corgis are known to be a healthy and robust breed, but they can be prone to hereditary diseases that commonly affect the eyes, kidney disease, and dystocia or calving difficulties due to a narrow birth passage.

• Look for signs of good health. Check the fur, ears, eyes, and nose. The nose must be moist, fresh and clean. The pup should also have pretty pink gums. Look for a medium build pup – it’s free of parasites. Check the puppy’s bottom and make sure it’s clean. Also check your breathing; It may be faster than yours or mine, but it should be steady, with no wheezing or coughing. Check for signs of deafness. Make a noise, such as clap your hands, to see if the puppy responds.

• Look for the puppy to be playful but not aggressive. Don’t be tempted to choose the first one to jump on you; also do not choose a shy one who does not want to be touched.

• Chemistry is vital. Spend some time with the litter, perhaps one on one with each if possible. This will give you a chance to inspect the Welsh corgi puppy, as well as see if he has a good, long-term relationship with his pet.
23Feb
I Buy Homes – Tips for Selling Your Home to Private Real Estate Investors

Many of the “I Buy Houses” signs you see posted on street corners and in front of houses belong to private real estate investors. In today’s down economy, a large percentage of homeowners are struggling to attract buyers. When homeowners need to sell their home quickly, they often turn to individuals or organizations that specialize in buying homes for cash.

Before calling the number on the “I Buy Houses” signs, it’s important to do your due diligence and determine the source. Unfortunately, there are many scammers in the world and currently the real estate market is a main target.

Thanks to the Internet it is relatively easy to locate information about anyone. Business owners must register in each state in which they wish to conduct business. In most states, the Department of Revenue oversees business records. Other states use the office of the Secretary of State.

The Attorney General’s office handles consumer complaints; as does the Better Business Bureau. Real estate agents and brokers are licensed through the Real Estate Commission.

To locate any of the above sources via the Internet, type your state plus the name of the organization, for example; California Real Estate Commission. These agencies can help you make sure you are working with a licensed, legitimate, and complaint-free real estate or business investor.

I buy houses in Southern California and work with a group of investors nationwide. Almost all of us have heard horror stories of innocent homeowners losing their property to foreclosure scams. Financial Mortgage, Freddie Mac, offers an article on avoiding foreclosure rescue schemes.

As an investor, people call me almost every day, begging me to buy their house. The biggest problem I find is the fact that people wait too long before acting. When they call me, they are terrified and desperate. It should not be like that.

I’ll give you the same advice I give everyone else. If you are behind on your mortgage, you need to call your lender now. I realize you may think your lender is the devil incarnate, but most banks will work with you if you don’t ignore their requests. Once a home falls into foreclosure, there is little room for negotiation.

If there is no hope of getting back on track, ask your lender to participate in a short sale. Lenders agree to accept less than what is owed on the loan if the borrower can sell his or her home within a specified period of time. Short selling is relatively complex and requires time and patience.

Short sale real estate is typically priced around ten percent below market value. In some areas, short sale properties sell for up to 50 percent below market value. It is best to work with a real estate investor who has experience in short sales and understands the process.

Selling your home to a private real estate investor is no different than selling it to any other buyer. The exception is that investors are experienced and know what to do and when to do it. Working with an experienced investor can simplify and speed up the process.

Finally, be sure to fully read and understand all legal documents before signing them. It is always a good idea to have your documents reviewed by a real estate attorney to ensure they are legally binding and to be filed in a court of law if necessary.
23Feb
How To Unleash Your Unlimited Brain Power By Taking Mental Notes

While the human brain can easily forget, it is actually much more efficient than any computer system. True, people can use computers to help compensate for mental lapses; but, always remember that the computer is just a tool. This may seem bewildering considering how superior the complex computer system is, however, unlike the computer, the mind is capable of making connections to increase efficiency with remarkably modest resources.

Take note taking as a prime example. The purpose of studying is to remember and ultimately internalize the content. Shockingly, most academics significantly underutilize the mind’s genuine creative capacities. We have become dependent on computers without even realizing that our own note-taking has suffered. Capturing information and then connecting it is a remarkable source of human ingenuity. Becoming better thinkers partially involves using an improved note-gathering skill. Of course, most academics execute this skill in a surprisingly ineffective way. Two of the most typical shortcomings of all note-taking techniques are that they are too abundant or too dissociated.

When you were born, you already had essential learning programs present in your head. The magic formula for taking powerful notes actually comes from youth. Human memory begins with the memory of images. After that, connect the images so that you can figure out the meaning. To instantly recall information, your thoughts demand a map. Consider the surprisingly simple method of how children learn to read. Perhaps, certainly, they are first taught pictures to associate with sounds, since the brain remembers pictures very easily. The association of images brings moments of your life to the forefront of mind instantly. It is much easier to remember a picture compared to a group of words. Maps take full advantage of this ability.

Imagination mapping is a note-taking method that uses memory and imagination in an extremely rational way. Endless notes diminish attention and impair interest. The brain prefers graphics, single words or subtitles. Get the journal and use it as an example. If you were to try to memorize the entire cover, you would have to spend a lot of time and make countless mistakes. This would really be a waste of your precious time. However, as long as you only remember the headlines, you can easily remember the key points through a natural chain reaction. Like falling dominoes, your mind can connect one piece of information to the next in an instant. Mind mapping harnesses this logic and combines it with the brain’s love of creative association so that it can generate meaning, so that it can quickly internalize a concept.

Because the idea best starts with a singular concept, idea mapping usually starts in the center of a piece of paper. Start with a note or image that represents your main idea. Next, create themes related to your initial notion that branch off from the key mental image or frame. The initial lines connect with the most important point. Then circle your thoughts as they occur and draw lines connecting them as your map flows down the side of the paper. Take it to the edges if necessary.

Many people take notes in an extremely linear fashion that invariably originate from the top of the page to the bottom; however, this only causes aggravation. Your brain remembers data in a non-linear way, which explains why the first note always starts in the middle. The following notes surround the main concept for clarification. You can then create a secondary thought layer, a third, and so on. Terms or images at this level will be connected to the main branch for explanation. Try to use words in isolation and circle each word or graphic as you go. The seam lines demonstrate the association of your second layer to your initial layer to the central idea. Additional levels still need to be added if necessary. If you run out of space, just turn the page and start a new map that connects to the old one.

Everyone’s brain will use numerous words and images to relate concepts. Everyone associates meaning differently, so no two Idea Maps are exactly the same. This is how the brain naturally handles sophisticated information. Allow the mind to wander, create and connect new material. Truth be told, that is the magic of the mind working before your eyes. There is no right or wrong way to make associations. Just remember that the mind is more outstanding than any personal computing system and choose to revel in this fact. You are extraordinary by nature.
23Feb
Time Travel: The 10 Things I Would Go Back In Time And Do But Not Imbue Eve With Adam And Eve Fame!

My favorite science fiction subject is time travel. I’m obsessed with it. I love all the paradoxes and possibilities, specifically those of going back in time and solving mysteries or changing the present. If time travel was possible and you could go back in time, what 10 things would you do? For argument’s sake, your only limits are that you can’t bring any physical objects from the past with you and you can’t knowingly try to change historical events. I mean, you couldn’t be the father of Eve’s first child! You also cannot store objects in the past and retrieve them in your present. You are allowed to bring a digital camcorder to record things, as long as you bring it with you at present. You can go back in time any number of years.

The 10 things I would go back in time and do out of order:

1. Solve crime mysteries: I would secretly watch and film Lee Harvey Oswald to see if he really killed Kennedy and find out what happened to Joan Bonet, Nancy Holloway, and blues musician Robert Johnson. Please note that I am not allowed to change your fate as this would alter the story (world events).

2. Being the first lover before Marilyn Monroe, Sophie Loren, Raquel Welch, Jane Mansfield, Lynda Carter & Ursula Address became famous.

3. Buy domain names: I could buy Internet domain names before they skyrocket in price and keep my identity a secret and make a lot of money when I get paid today.

4. See and hang out with the great rock bands and legendary blues musicians before they made it big. Imagine seeing the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Hendrix in Small Clubs and sharing a joint with them and seeing Elmore James, Robert Johnson, Magic Sam and other blues greats in small clubs and drinking with them. I would also record everything on video.

5. Hanging out with Babe Ruth and throwing batting practice at her and going to a 1927 Yankees game

6. Watch the lost film, “London after Dark” by Lon Chaney and take a camcorder shot.

7. Finding my beautiful ex-girlfriend before she got tired and being her first boyfriend.

8. Spend time with my deceased father and my deceased best friend.

9. Go to Roswell and videotape what really happened.

10. Go to a play with John Wilkes Booth.
23Feb
Hidden expenses related to the sale of a house

Selling a property in today’s world can be challenging on many levels. You want to get as much money as possible, you want to sell in a timely manner, and you want to take advantage of current market conditions that can be used to the advantage of sellers, but you may not be in a position to do everything, if any of these things given your situation. One possibility that many sellers tend to overlook is what alternative selling strategies (other than the traditional method of going to a real estate agent) they could use and improve their ability to better meet their ultimate goals with the sale of their property. property. The methods that home buying companies regularly use to purchase real estate can often create a more beneficial sales scenario for the seller and can often eliminate many of the additional known and unknown costs that a seller might incur during a traditional sale .

When you sell a house the traditional way, you first have to pay the agent’s fee. These fees are always the responsibility of the seller. Some agencies will offer reduced fees to list/sell your property, but unless you are very lucky or a great negotiator, you will generally pay the buyers agent full commission. So while you may be able to get up to one and a half percent off your listing agent, they’ll still offer four and a half, up to a maximum of six percent of your final sales price, just to pay the agent fees. . That’s an equivalent of $4,500 to $6,000 for every 100k of value you have in your property. That doesn’t come out of the amount you owe either!! That comes directly from “your” hard-earned equity, of which you may have already lost a lot in the last five years.

Another cost that will always be the responsibility of the seller, again unless they are a great negotiator, will be all the taxes and HOA fees that are currently unpaid as of the date of the sale. This obviously includes all amounts past due, but it also includes current unpaid balances, which are not yet due as of your statement date, but have an amount past due since the last time a required payment was made on time. If you pay your taxes or your HOA on any schedule other than in full up-front, you may find yourself with these additional costs coming from your capital. On the plus side, this works the other way too, in that if you’re paid in advance, you’ll receive a refund of any amounts paid after the sale date. Either way, you need to know exactly where you are with these payments.

Another cost that, especially in today’s economic climate where everyone is looking for a “deal,” you may be asked to pay, would be to cover half or even all of your closing costs. These costs are normally paid by the buyer, but in a buyer’s market, when inventory exceeds demand, buyers will request “concessions,” a term to be noted, from the seller to enhance their purchase. Remember what I said earlier “everyone is looking for a deal” and if you don’t give them one, many feel the next one will, and they will just follow your deal to find another. There is a very high percentage of sellers paying at least half of their closing costs today because of this buyer’s market mentality. So consider another one percent or more of your estate threatened.

The last unexpected expense that you may also incur is the possibility of having to fix something to make the sale. Again, another one of those “Grants” I talked about, and again, another result of buyers’ market mentality, and again, another reason for your potential buyer to leave if you don’t follow through on their requests. Repair grants can range from something as small as shampooing your carpets to replacing your entire roof, or anything in between. All of which would have to come out of your pocket and must be deducted again from your hard-earned capital!

6% to agents, 1+% to closing, tax and HOA prorations, and potential repair costs are all serious selling considerations a seller might face when using the traditional selling method.

When you use one of the many local companies that buy homes, they will usually/always eliminate some, if not all, of these additional selling costs that one might face. It is not uncommon to receive an offer to buy that says “Net to Seller”, which means that the buyer pays all costs associated with the sale and the offer amount is the “Full Amount” that the seller will put into his or her pocket. .

Now this does not necessarily mean that you will actually keep more of your money by going this way. You need to remember that these home buying companies are in business to make money, not just for fun. However, they can use these costs that they would normally pay anyway, as their discount from the fair market value of their property, thus creating the cushion that they can use to make money. So what is the benefit to the seller then?

The benefits are simple, but powerful. You get everything presented in plain English. There are no hidden agendas because if these companies are not completely transparent about their intentions, they are leaving themselves open to lawsuit. A suit that would probably put them out of business, and that’s not very good for business right now! Also, when these home buying companies are interested enough to make you an offer, it means they are serious about meeting the terms of the contract and buying your property. They are serious buyers who are much less likely to fail to deliver on an entire purchase. They’re not looking for the next best deal around the corner, they’re not looking for a reason to back out, they’re not looking for “concessions” from the seller. Your offer and purchase contract are simple, direct, and backed by serious purchase intent, with emotion not a factor in the equation.

Finally, many of these home buying companies have more than one possible buying strategy with which they can purchase real estate. This is the biggest benefit for any seller whose specific situation could inhibit a clean, smooth and profitable traditional sale. Creative buying strategies are for many in the current economic climate the only way a seller can make a fruitful real estate transaction, sometimes if ever. These home buying companies are often the only ones offering these creative strategies to the seller for whom traditional methods simply won’t work, as well as to those simply looking for alternatives that could speed up the process or perhaps put an end to a nightmare of not sale.
23Feb
Cheap Car Insurance Quotes: What You Need To Know

It is very easy to find auto insurance quotes online; a bit of a challenge is finding a cheap auto insurance quote. Here are some guidelines you need to know when requesting cheap car insurance quotes:

Your details are important – fill in all the requested information about yourself and your car for which you are requesting a cheap car insurance quote. Don’t forget to provide information such as your full name, address with zip code, marital status, annual travel miles, and car safety features. Failure to provide this data will surely result in higher auto insurance quotes. Based on the data provided by you, at some point you may even qualify for the discount.

Bargaining is the key to cheap care insurance quotes – car insurance rate can vary sometime up to 200% for the same coverage. If you are a good negotiator, you can save hundreds of dollars a year. Always do your own research and compare the various auto insurance quotes and get the best deal.

Always remember the formula: higher deductibles = lower insurance premiums. You can save more than $100 annually by increasing your deductible from $200 to $400. However, to combat with any accident, manage additional financial resources.

Low mileage discount can be yours: Most insurance companies offer low mileage discounts for people who travel an average of 50 miles per day. Try to qualify for such discounts. They will surely help you get a cheap car insurance quote and save money.

Something special for married couples: You can get cheap auto insurance quotes by insuring the woman in a truck and the man in a light vehicle. Always assure teenagers the use of a family sedan instead of a sports car.

Install anti-theft and signaling device in car – add tracking system and car alarm in your car. Always keep your car in the garage instead of an open parking space. These kinds of things make the auto insurance company make sure that you are serious about your vehicle and they will offer you cheap auto insurance quotes.
23Feb
Anta Lighting is a good home decoration

Your home lighting automatically comes in when you’re thinking of home decorating ideas. Once you have purchased the other necessary decor such as furniture, wall art, rugs, wall hangings, and others, you can focus on purchasing the necessary lighting and accessories for your home. Contemporary lighting solutions are expansive, containing things like LED lights, OLED lights, sconces, table lamps, chandeliers, ceiling lights, and ornamental lights. There are some prominent and popular brands that sell designer lights that are also aesthetically pleasing and act as wall décor. One of these brands is Anta lighting.

Anta Lighting is a German company run by Gertrud Kracht that has made a name for itself in the last 25 years. This brand creates luminaires and decorative lights in association with young designers that make your home look impressive. His collection includes floor lamps, wall lamps, table lamps, and ceiling fixtures. This brand is a pioneer in the modern European design lighting group. Materials used primarily for Anta lighting include aluminium, nickel and matt chrome in a combination of opaque acrylic. These lamps are designed in such a way that they not only light up a room, but also help create the perfect ambiance, whether it’s for a party or a quiet evening at home. It creates an aura that brightens up the dull gray world around you and makes you feel happy and relaxed.

About the designs

One of the popular Anta lighting designs is the Calmetta pendant light. This lampshade is a combination of aluminum colored metal and white translucent acrylic. It is available with an additional weight to adjust the height if necessary and has been designed by Rolf Heide. Another standout design is the Sino ceiling light, which is made of matte satin chrome metal and acrylic panels. Designed by Jurg Fontana, this lamp uses acrylic panels for direct and indirect lighting. The ZAC Swing Arm Wall Light is another innovative light designed by Frank Oehring. It has a satin chrome finished frame that has sections designed to provide light in a variety of directions. Other featured lamps include the Anta Spoon lamp, Anta Nola lamp, Da Yan lamp, and Juni halogen pendant lamp.

Anta lighting manufacturers maintain high quality standards and create lights with precision and care. These lights look beautiful even when used during the day, just as a wall decoration. If you have purchased Anta lighting for your home, you can be sure that you have a quality product in your possession right now.
23Feb
Tax Return: Home Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

How homeowners can get the maximum tax refund.

Owning a home. Ask any landlord what’s so great about owning versus renting, and most will say “the tax breaks!” That’s right, because all homeowners who itemize their taxes can deduct 100% of their mortgage interest and property taxes from their tax returns. But how do you get the maximum tax refund for homeowners? If you don’t already own a home, there may be good reasons, but the advantages of owning a home far outweigh the rent. There are really only two reasons not to own a home: you can live rent-free with your parents or friends, or maybe you plan to move in 3 years or less. Even if you are single, but plan to stay in the area for more than 3 years, consider buying a home.

The main tax incentive to owning a home is that it allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage. This is usually the biggest tax break for most people, because a significant amount of your house payment goes toward interest during the first few years of a mortgage. What are the main advantages of owning a home come tax season?

Deductible mortgage interest including “points” when buying your home.

Deductible property taxes on your return.

Deductions for improvements made to your home when you sell.

Up to $500,000 in tax-free capital gains when you sell your home.

To get the maximum homeowners tax refund, you’ll need to use Form 1040 and itemize your deductions. If you’re in a 28% tax bracket, the government effectively subsidizes about a third of your borrowing costs, making your home more affordable. Plus, your closing costs and points are tax deductible, and millions upon thousands of dollars of any capital gains you realize when you sell your home are exempt from income tax.

At tax time, it is essential to know what you are entitled to, in order to claim it. So here are five essential tax tips to get the maximum tax refund for homeowners.

1. Fill out the long form at least once and learn how to itemize your deductions.

Nearly 40% of homeowners miss out on the number one tax break every year when they don’t itemize their income taxes. If you own a home and have a fairly simple tax return, it might be tempting to take the standard deduction or file Form 1040A. In some cases where your mortgage, property taxes, and income are low enough, the standard deduction may be a larger deduction than your itemized deductions. But you’ll never know unless you fill out both forms at least once.

So before you start filling out Form 1040A or 1040EZ, gather your documentation and answer the questions about tax software like TurboTax, which will automatically calculate whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction will result in the lowest tax bill.

Why the extra work? You can only pay less tax, never more, by filing the longer Form 1040.

2. Home office deduction.

The average home office deduction is over $3,000. Of course, there are special IRS rules about what you can claim as a home office. The space you claim as your home office may not be exempt from capital gains tax when you sell your home. Visit the IRS.gov website for complete details.

3. Tax relief for loan modifications, foreclosures and short sales.

The Making Home Affordable® (MHA)® Program is an important part of the Obama Administration’s comprehensive plan to stabilize the US housing market by helping homeowners obtain mortgage assistance and avoid foreclosures. To meet the diverse needs of homeowners across the country, Making Home Affordable ® programs offer a variety of solutions that can help you take action before it’s too late. You may be able to refinance and take advantage of today’s low mortgage interest rates and reduce your monthly mortgage payments.

While the long-term housing outlook began to improve in 2011, loan modifications are expected to peak this year. Distressed homeowners who are on the verge of a short sale, loan modification, or foreclosure should note that any mortgage balance that is wiped out by one of these outcomes is typically taxed at what the IRS calls Cancellation of Debt Proceeds, or CODI.

Under the Mortgage Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007, the IRS is currently not collecting income tax on CODI incurred through a loan modification, short sale, or foreclosure on most residences through 2012. But banks are taking many months, or even years, to settle new mortgages. If you see any of this happening in your future, don’t procrastinate. Get free advice from a housing expert at MakingHomeAffordable.Gov. or call 888-995-HOPE (4673) to speak with an expert.

4. The tax consequences of a refinance or property tax appeal.

Homeowners around the world are working to request a lower property tax bill based on the decline in value of their homes in recent years. Those who have equity have tried to refinance their existing home loans at rates of 4% to 5% for the past several years. These strategies offer some of the biggest savings today. But here’s a little warning for homeowners who can cut these costs. Property taxes and mortgage interest, the very costs you’re minimizing, are also the foundation of the major tax benefits of homeownership. So plan ahead so your tax deductions go down along with your taxes and interest.

5. Don’t forget closing costs.

If you’ve purchased or refinanced your home, you may be able to focus on your mortgage interest and property tax deductions and forget about closing costs altogether. Remember that any origination fees or discount points paid to your mortgage lender at closing are tax deductible on your return. When you finance a home, you can pay what are called “points.” Points reduce the interest rate on your mortgage by effectively prepaying a portion of the interest at closing. Points are paid by the borrower to the lender as part of the loan deal, and are a percentage of the loan. Points may also be called loan origination fees, maximum loan charges, loan discount, or discount points. If you can’t figure out exactly what you paid, look up your HUD-1 Settlement Statement. It is filled with line item credits and debits that you should have received from your escrow provider or title attorney at closing.

helpful tip:There are two things you can count on when you become a homeowner: you get more tax breaks and your taxes get more complicated. Whether you’ve purchased a single-family home, townhome, or condo, there are tax breaks available to you. It’s time to get familiar with the tax forms because that’s where you’ll need to provide all the details about your new tax-deductible expenses.

Don’t forget PMI premiums on your tax return. PMI is the private mortgage insurance premiums on certain mortgages. If you make a down payment of less than 20%, you are generally required to have private mortgage insurance. This type of insurance is paid for by the buyer but protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. PMI premiums may be deducted if the mortgage was issued after 2006. This deduction may be changed in 2012, so check the IRS website for updated information.

Final thought: There are also huge tax savings on the gain when you sell. If you are going to live in your house for at least 5 years considering buying a house for this reason alone. When you sell your home, the amount of your gain from the sale is tax free if you meet the criteria. If you are married, you can gain up to $500,000 on the sale and you will not have to pay taxes on the gain. If you are single, you can earn up to $250,000 without paying any federal taxes. There’s only one catch: You must own and occupy your home for at least two of the past five years. Visit IRS.gov for more information.
23Feb
Mastering the open floor plan that homebuyers demand

Today’s homebuyers don’t just want an open floor plan. They demand it! But creating the ultimate open floor plan isn’t just about pounding the walls with a sledgehammer (hello, HGTV!), it’s about thoughtful and creative design from the ground up. Here are some easy ways to develop open floor plans that have pizzazz.

Definitely define spaces:

Creating “functional spaces” gives buyers a sense of how the open floor plan will flow and fit into their daily lives. Items like area rugs and statement lighting help define spaces and add interest. Through the use of an area rug in the great room and a beautiful chandelier over the dining room, spaces are controlled and not confined.

Continuity is king:

Fundamental design elements such as flooring and recessed lighting should maintain a consistent feel to the open space. It may sound obvious, but this creates a seamless, aesthetically pleasing flow that homebuyers desire. Make sure the furniture, accessories, and art complement each other. Even check the color palette between spaces to make sure there’s a strong relationship in color choices and style.

Awesome Feature Highlights:

In each “zone” of the open living space, make sure there is a design feature that really catches the eye. A beautiful stone fireplace wall in the living room or statement pendants over the kitchen island add character to each space.

Keep site lines safe:

Keep an open floor plan just that – open! Make sure you leave the space clear and don’t clutter the lines of the room with unnecessarily large accessories or furniture. Buyers want to imagine cooking, eating, and entertaining all in the same open, airy space. Something like a tall bookcase or bulky sectional might be more of an eye sore than a statement.

Take a space to Soaring Heights:

If the house can accommodate it, it may be beneficial to add some architectural drama. An open floor plan can feel even brighter and fresher with extraordinary ceiling height and details. Vaulted ceilings or impressive wood moldings or beams may be the strong selling feature that stands out to a potential buyer.

Inner Outer Ratio:

Don’t let the open floor plan stop you at the back door! Create a seamless flow of fresh, airy air from inside to outside with a continuation of flooring materials in both spaces, as well as impressive large glass doors and windows.

Have fun with some (or all) of these creative design ideas that are sure to help make a property’s open floor plan stand out!